2013 Kawasaki Brute Force 650 4x4 Owners Manual - Page 32

30 LOADING INFORMATION NOTE żKawasaki Parts and Accessories have been spe- cially designed for use on Kawasaki vehicles. We strongly recommend that all parts and accessories you add to your vehicle be genuine Kawasaki components. • • • Because an all terrain vehicle is sensitive to increases in weight, changes in weight distribution, and aerodynamic forces, you must take extreme care in carrying cargo and/or in the fitting of accessories. The following general guidelines have been prepared to help you make your determinations. When adding cargo and pulling a trailer reduce speed. Shift transmission to "L"(Low) range. Braking distance is increased. Use extreme caution when climbing and descending hills, and traversing slopes. Adding cargo and pulling a trailer can make the vehicle difficult to steer and affect vehicle handling in an unpredictable manner. AII cargo should be carried as low as possible to reduce the effect on the vehicle's center of gravity. Cargo weight should also be equally distributed from side to side. Place cargo to the rear of a front carrier and to the front of a rear carrier. This helps maintain the stability of the vehicle by centralizing the weight. Avoid carrying cargo that extends beyond the rear of the vehicle. Do not place more than 40 kg (88 lb) on the front carrier, nor more than 80 kg (176 lb) on the rear carrier. If non-standard carriers are fitted, never exceed the carrier manufacturer's stated load capacity. In any case, never exceed the limits stated • • • • • • above. Try to maintain front to rear balance by carrying twice as much weight on the rear carrier as on the front carrier. Cargo should be securely attached. Make sure the cargo will not move around while you are riding. Recheck cargo security as often as possible (not while the vehicle is in motion) and adjust as necessary. Do not carry heavy or bulky items even on a cargo carrier. They are designed for light items, and overloading can affect handling due to changes in weight distribution and aerodynamic forces. Do not install accessories or carry cargo that impairs the performance of the vehicle. Make sure that you have not adversely affected any lighting component, ground clearance, brake or control operation, wheel movement, or any other aspect of the vehicle's operation. Always subtract trailer tongue weight from the Maximum Load capacity. Refer to the GENERAL INFORMATION chapter for details on the trailer hitch bracket. Weight attached to the handlebar will increase the mass of the steering assembly and can result in an unsafe riding condition. Windshields, trunk boxes, and other large items have the capability of adversely affecting stability and handling of the vehicle, because of their weight and the aerodynamic forces acting on these surfaces while the vehicle is in operation. Poorly designed or installed items can result in an unsafe riding condition.